DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala had earlier raised alarm over what he described as an abduction attempt against Gachagua during the church service.
Taking to his official verified Facebook page, Gachagua shared his whereabouts and offered a detailed account of the ordeal.
Taking to his official verified Facebook page, Gachagua shared his whereabouts and offered a detailed account of the ordeal.
“I thank God for His mercy and kindness. I thank the residents of Othaya for helping my private security to evacuate me to safety. I am now safe, having just arrived at my Wamunyoro residence. I request thousands of my supporters waiting for me in Othaya Town and Kiawara to peacefully go home as our vehicles have been disabled and sound systems dismantled,” he wrote.
Gachagua added a warning to his followers, noting the continued presence of what he called a “killer squad” backed by local police at the two venues.
“Please note that the killer squad, backed by the local police, are all over the two venues, and we don’t know their intention after failing to assassinate me inside a church. My gratitude to all leaders and the people of Kenya for coming out to condemn this heinous act by Mr. William Ruto. God is in control, and His power surpasses that of William Ruto,” he stated.
The former Deputy President alleged that the government had sent security personnel to attack him and other worshippers inside Wairima ACK Church.
The former Deputy President alleged that the government had sent security personnel to attack him and other worshippers inside Wairima ACK Church.
“We are marooned in church, being attacked with live bullets and tear gas, and my vehicles have been torched. We ask Kenyans to pray for us to come out alive,” Gachagua said.
Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa also weighed in, alleging that Gachagua was still being held hostage at the church.
Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa also weighed in, alleging that Gachagua was still being held hostage at the church.
“Some of us have managed to evacuate, including women and children. About seven plain-clothed police officers are conducting the operation,” he wrote on X.
This is not the first time Gachagua has found himself at the center of security-related controversies. He has repeatedly been affected by tear gas deployments at political rallies, church services, and public funerals.
One of the earliest incidents occurred on November 28, 2024, in Limuru, Kiambu County, during a funeral service.
This is not the first time Gachagua has found himself at the center of security-related controversies. He has repeatedly been affected by tear gas deployments at political rallies, church services, and public funerals.
One of the earliest incidents occurred on November 28, 2024, in Limuru, Kiambu County, during a funeral service.
Gachagua and mourners were allegedly targeted with tear gas, forcing attendees to flee the solemn proceedings.
Though official confirmation of the tear gas remains limited, the episode raised serious concerns over security agencies’ interventions in politically sensitive gatherings.
In July 2025, a church service at AIPCA Christ the King Church in Kahuro, Kigumo, Murang’a County, ended in chaos after police blocked access roads and deployed tear gas to disperse congregants.
In July 2025, a church service at AIPCA Christ the King Church in Kahuro, Kigumo, Murang’a County, ended in chaos after police blocked access roads and deployed tear gas to disperse congregants.
Worshippers, including elderly members and children, were forced to flee as fumes engulfed the compound, disrupting the service entirely.
On August 2, 2025, a political rally in Gilgil, Nakuru County, was similarly disrupted when police fired tear gas at participants. The ensuing confusion led to stones being thrown, and the rally had to be abandoned.
On August 2, 2025, a political rally in Gilgil, Nakuru County, was similarly disrupted when police fired tear gas at participants. The ensuing confusion led to stones being thrown, and the rally had to be abandoned.
A Narok Town rally on November 24, 2025, faced a similar fate, with police blocking entry and using tear gas to prevent Gachagua from addressing the public, forcing him and supporters to take an alternate route.
Church services have not been spared either. In November 2025, a thanksgiving service at PCEA Kariobangi North Church in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, descended into panic when tear gas was deployed near the church compound.
Church services have not been spared either. In November 2025, a thanksgiving service at PCEA Kariobangi North Church in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, descended into panic when tear gas was deployed near the church compound.
Another disruption occurred on January 12, 2026, at AIPCA Church in Kiamworia, Gatundu South, where police again used tear gas, interrupting worshippers’ activities.
Gachagua and his allies have condemned the repeated use of force at public and religious gatherings.
Gachagua and his allies have condemned the repeated use of force at public and religious gatherings.
He has accused the state of targeting dissenting voices and using security agencies as tools of intimidation, undermining constitutional freedoms, including the rights to worship, assemble, and mourn in peace.
DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala described the Othaya incident as a grave threat to democracy and warned of the potential consequences if political leaders are prevented from attending public or religious gatherings safely.
“The actions at Wairima ACK Church are unacceptable. Attempting to abduct a former Deputy President during a church service is a serious threat not only to him but to the rule of law and the safety of every Kenyan,” Malala said.
DCP Deputy Party Leader Cleophas Malala described the Othaya incident as a grave threat to democracy and warned of the potential consequences if political leaders are prevented from attending public or religious gatherings safely.
“The actions at Wairima ACK Church are unacceptable. Attempting to abduct a former Deputy President during a church service is a serious threat not only to him but to the rule of law and the safety of every Kenyan,” Malala said.